Ahead of the fourth Test against England in Ranchi starting February 23, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, having bowled 80.5 overs in the first three Tests. This decision aims to manage his workload considering the upcoming IPL season and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite speculation about his rest for the third Test in Rajkot, Bumrah played, contributing significantly to the series.
Mukesh Kumar, previously released from the squad for the third Test, rejoins the team in Ranchi after an impressive performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. With India leading the series 2-1, they’ll have to compensate for Bumrah’s absence, who leads the wicket tally with 17 at 13.64 apiece and was instrumental in India’s win in Visakhapatnam.
KL Rahul, opting out of the second and third Tests, is likely to miss the fourth Test, and his fitness will determine his participation in the final Test. Rahul made significant contributions in the first Test before a quadriceps injury forced him out, ultimately leading to his exclusion due to a sore knee.
For the fourth Test, the squad sees some adjustments, with the choice of the second fast bowler between Mukesh and the uncapped Akash Deep, who performed well for India A against England Lions. The Test series schedule tightens, with just four days between the third and fourth Tests and an eight-day gap before the final Test on March 7.
The India squad for the fourth Test includes Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.
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